USA: "No Kings" protests against Trump – Thousands take to the streets

These are scenes you don't forget in a hurry. From the East Coast to California, people are back out on the streets, and this time the chants are louder, the signs more provocative. The "No Kings" protests against Donald Trump have gained a momentum in recent days that's caught even seasoned observers of American politics off guard. This is no longer just the classic resistance from the big cities; discontent is simmering across the heartland.

I get the sense that something different is brewing here compared to his first term. Back in 2015 and 2017, the demonstrations often felt like a spontaneous reaction to surprise decrees. This time, it feels different. There's a structure, a historical depth that echoes the great civil rights movements. One name keeps coming up in these circles: the historian Ta-Nehisi Coates. His book "We Were Eight Years in Power: An American Tragedy" has become almost like a bible for these groups. It encapsulates what so many fear: that the fight for democracy never truly ends, and that the achievements of the past – especially the Obama years – can crumble faster than we'd like.

From Iran War fears to the Constitution: The many faces of the protest

What fascinates me most about these protests since 2024 is the sheer range of reasons driving people onto the streets. It's no longer just about a single outrage; it's a blend of deep-seated worry and raw anger. Talk to people in Washington, and they'll agree: the protests against Donald Trump this time have become a rallying point for anyone feeling that American democracy is veering onto a dangerous path.

• Concerns over the separation of powers: Under the banner of "No Kings," it's no longer just about individual laws but the fundamental question of whether the US is heading in an authoritarian direction. The judiciary is under attack, and Congress often seems to be little more than a spectator.
• Foreign policy as a flashpoint: The anxiety over the Iran war isn't just a matter of international diplomacy. For many here, it's proof that the executive branch is making decisions of historic consequence without the backing of the people. That's a scary thought.
• Economic insecurity: Forget the charts and stock market figures. In states where industry is struggling, and among young people who can no longer afford a home, the feeling is growing that politics only works for its own donors.

Think about it: you have people protesting foreign policy in the Middle East, while right next to them someone holds up a sign quoting the Constitution. All united under the common belief that democracy isn't the property of any one person. I've been to some of these marches myself, and the energy is infectious – but also deeply unsettling.

A movement without a master plan?

The big question, of course, is where this is all heading. Some warn of a divide that will drive the country even deeper into its trenches. Others see it as the last stand of civil society before it's too late. I remember the protests of 2016 well, when many thought it was just a temporary mood swing. Today, I know: the protests against Donald Trump since 2024 are a different beast entirely. They are more organised, more interconnected, and – crucially – they have a narrative backbone.

It's this mix of historical reflection, like the kind Coates engages in his book, and the current anger over political decisions. On trains heading to Washington, or in coffee shops in Portland, the talk isn't just about the latest headline, but about how to keep a democracy "repairable." That's what makes this movement so powerful, and at the same time so unpredictable for the establishment in Washington.